Parque de María Luisa (María Luisa Park), Seville (must see)

You shouldn't miss a visit to María Luisa Park before leaving Seville. It's a stunning location that stretches along the Guadalquivir River and serves as the city's main green space. Most of the park used to be the gardens of the Palace of San Telmo. In 1893, Infanta Luisa Fernanda, Duchess of Montpensier, generously donated these grounds to the city of Seville to create a public park. The gardens, as we see them today, were redesigned by Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier, starting in 1911. Subsequently, the park played a crucial role in the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, contributing to its impressive architectural setting.

To prepare for the exhibition, the entire southern part of the city underwent redevelopment, transforming into an expansive area filled with gardens and grand boulevards. At its heart lies the Parque de María Luisa, designed in a "Moorish paradise style" and featuring a half-mile of tiled fountains, pavilions, walls, ponds, benches, and exedras. You'll find abundant plantings of palms, orange trees, Mediterranean pines, and carefully designed flower beds, some of which are hidden by vines.

María Luisa Park also serves as a botanical garden, showcasing a wide variety of plant species, both native and exotic, with informative panels to educate visitors. The park is home to numerous bird species, particularly doves (so much so that a part of Plaza de América is known as "Parque de las Palomas" or Dove Park). Additionally, you'll spot green parrots living in the park's center, as well as ducks and swans in the fountains and lakes.

Why You Should Visit:
The historic buildings, sculptures, and water features make this a unique work of garden landscaping and leafy beauty. There is always something new to explore or do!
At various points, you can join different experiences, such as feeding the birds (Plaza de America), riding a bike (including family cycles), or entertaining yourself taking photos of the incomparable Plaza de España.

Tip:
Make sure you visit during the "golden hour" when the light is the most beautiful in Sevilla (in July it would be around 8-9pm)!